Lake Livingston Reservoir Camping Guide — Every Campground Compared

Lake Livingston reservoir camping ranges from a state park with 141 sites across six loops to private RV resorts on the water to a smaller fish camp on the north end of the lake. They’re spread around a 90,000-acre reservoir in the East Texas Piney Woods, and picking the right one depends almost entirely on what kind of trip you’re planning.

This guide covers every significant campground on Lake Livingston — what each one is actually like, what it costs, who it’s right for, and what the reviews say. No fluff, no filler, just the information you need to pick the right spot.

If you’re focused specifically on the state park, we have a dedicated guide: Camping at Lake Livingston State Park — The Complete Guide. This post covers every campground on the reservoir — public and private — so you can compare all your options in one place.

Quick Comparison — All Lake Livingston Campgrounds at a Glance

1. Lake Livingston State Park — The Complete Breakdown by Loop

Lake Livingston State Park has 141 sites across six distinct loops. The loop you pick matters more than most people realize — the experience varies significantly between them.

⚠️ Active Alerts: Burn ban in effect since February 24, 2026 (no wood or charcoal fires, stoves only). Park improvements underway December 2025 through September 2026 — some loops may be temporarily closed. Call (936) 365-2201 before booking to confirm your preferred loop is open.

Piney Shores Loop (Sites 50–71) — Best RV Sites in the Park

The best RV loop at Lake Livingston by a wide margin. Twenty-two sites with full hookups — 20, 30, and 50-amp service — on level concrete slabs with lake views. These are lakefront sites, and the premium location shows in how fast they book. Steps from one of the park’s boat ramps and a fish cleaning station. RVs up to 61 feet accommodated.

If Piney Shores is your target, book the moment your reservation window opens. These go first.

Pin Oak Loop — North End, Wooded, Good for Families

Seven full hookup sites (50-amp) plus 43 water and electric sites on the northern end of the park. All sites have a picnic table, lantern post, and fire ring with grill. Restrooms with showers nearby. Easy access to Trinity Trace Trail, which connects all campsite areas and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the park. RVs up to 61 feet.

Groups staying in three or more sites in Pin Oak can reserve the open-air pavilion — seats up to 50 people, outdoor grill, and electricity. Good option for family reunions or Scout groups.

Red Oak Loop — Full Hookups, Largest Section

The largest full hookup section in the park — 68 sites with 50-amp electric, water, and sewer on concrete pads. RVs up to 75 feet. This is the section to book if you need full hookups and Piney Shores is sold out.

Yaupon Loop

Full hookup sites in a wooded setting. Consistently reviewed as one of the better loops for shade and spacing. Real-world reviews note long concrete pads and solid site size. Verizon service described as decent in this loop.

Hercules Loop

Water and electric sites in a more open layout. Good middle-ground option for campers who want power but don’t need sewer hookups.

Briar Loop — Tent Campers Only

Twenty-four water-only sites in a tent-only setting. No RVs, no generators, no exceptions. The quietest loop in the park by far — the generator noise that comes with RV sections is completely absent here. Best option for tent campers who want a real camping experience rather than a parking lot atmosphere.

State Park Reservations: texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com | Phone: (512) 389-8900
Entry fee: $6/person/day (13+), children free
Site fees: $14–$35/night
Minimum stay: Two nights for Friday or Saturday reservations

2. Wolf Creek Park — Trinity River Authority

Location: Near Coldspring, TX — From Coldspring, turn left on Hwy 156, go 1 mile to Hwy 224, turn right. Park is 5 miles on the right.
Phone: 936-653-4312
Season: Open March through November (closed December–February)
Reservations: Yes — strongly recommended for peak weekends

Wolf Creek Park is operated by the Trinity River Authority on 110 acres of Lake Livingston shoreline near Coldspring. It opened in 1972 and consistently gets strong reviews for cleanliness, staff quality, and the family-friendly atmosphere. This is the only major public campground on Lake Livingston that isn’t a Texas State Park — and it offers some things the state park doesn’t.

Sites: 102 total

• 54 sites with full hookups (50-amp service, concrete pads)
• 48 sites with water and electricity
• Some sites positioned directly on the lake
• All sites include picnic tables, above-ground grills, and fire rings

Facilities: Restrooms and showers, boat ramps, fishing piers, fish cleaning station, marina, playground, volleyball and basketball courts, designated roped swimming area

Marina: Kayak, canoe, and paddleboat rentals. Park store stocked with essentials, bait, beer, wine, and ice cream (frequently mentioned in reviews).

Day use: $5/person, available Monday–Thursday only on a seasonal basis (NOT on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or holidays). You must be camping or visiting a registered camper on weekends.

What to know:

• Site 62 is the standout — direct lake views, 12-foot concrete pad, level
• 24/7 park ranger patrols mean you can leave gear at your site safely
• A3 loop has no street lights — good for stargazing
• Clean facilities and trash pickup three times daily
• Sites are moderately spaced — some privacy between neighbors, but not isolated
• Staff described as genuinely helpful and friendly

What to watch for: Limited communication on burn bans (the park can be slow to post signage). No camping in December, January, or February — plan accordingly for fall trips that extend late in the season.

Who it’s right for: RV families who want a public park feel with slightly more amenities than the state park. Anglers who want water access and a solid marina. Anyone who gets shut out of the state park during peak weekends.

3. On The Lake RV Resort (Formerly Lake Livingston/Onalaska KOA Holiday)

Address: 15152 US Hwy 190 West, Onalaska, TX 77360
Phone: (936) 646-3824
Season: Year-round

On The Lake RV Resort sits on the western shore of Lake Livingston along US-190 in Onalaska, about 15 miles west of the state park. It’s the most resort-like camping experience on the lake — a step up from both the state park and Wolf Creek in terms of amenities, at a correspondingly higher price point.

Sites: 115 full-hookup sites (water, sewer, electricity)
Cabins: Two types — a smaller unit sleeping 4 (queen + bunk beds, kitchenette, bathroom, A/C) and the Lake Hideaway sleeping 6 (2 bedrooms, full kitchen, covered deck, patio with BBQ)

Amenities: Private beach, full-service marina (3 boat ramps, covered slips, transient docks, fishing pier), pool, hot tub, on-site restaurant, clubhouse with full kitchen, dog park, playground, laundry, game room, propane service, themed weekends, seasonal activities, concessions

Rates: RV sites approximately $57–$63/night based on recent user reports. Cabin rates vary — call for current pricing.

What to know:

• Views of the lake and sunsets from the bluff are genuinely spectacular
• On-site restaurant is a real asset — the food is genuinely good
• Clean, well-designed, level concrete pads
• Bathhouses described as modern and well-maintained
• Staff consistently praised

What to watch for: There is essentially no shade at the RV sites — the park is open and exposed. In SETX summer heat, this matters significantly. Bring a canopy or plan to be near the water during the day. Traffic noise from Hwy 190 is audible but it’s noticeable but not a dealbreaker.

Who it’s right for: Snowbirds and longer-stay RV campers. Couples who want resort amenities. Anyone who wants a cabin on the lake without tent or RV camping. Campers who want the full-service experience — pool, hot tub, restaurant, marina — in one place.

4. Bethy Creek Resort

Address: 1 mile east of Hwy 19 off FM 980, end of Shorewood Drive (north end of lake)
Phone: 936-594-2511
Season: Year-round

Bethy Creek sits on the north end of Lake Livingston near Huntsville — the quieter, less-traveled end of the reservoir. It’s a smaller, more intimate operation than Wolf Creek or On The Lake, focused primarily on fishing and waterfront lodging rather than resort amenities.

RV sites: 30 and 50-amp hookups with all utilities, picnic tables, and grills. Abundant tree cover provides excellent shade — a meaningful advantage in SETX summer heat.

Waterfront lodging/cabins: Air conditioning, heating, two queen beds, full kitchen, full bath, cable TV, WiFi, all linens and towels provided, cookware and utensils included. Daily, weekly, and monthly rates available.

Facilities: Dedicated fishing pier, boat slips, sandy swimming beach, 1,500-square-foot pavilion for group gatherings, secured monthly boat storage

Boat rentals: Pontoon boats, jon boats, canoes, and pedal boats available for rent

Groups: The pavilion accommodates family reunions, Scout groups, and corporate retreats. Call ahead for group rates.

Cancellation policy: 50% non-refundable deposit. One-time rescheduling allowed with 72 hours notice (excluding major holidays). Check-in 1pm RV/camping, 4pm cabins. Check-out 12pm.

Who it’s right for: Anglers targeting the north end of the lake. Families who want a cabin experience without resort pricing. Groups doing reunions or team outings. Campers who want real shade and quiet over amenities.

5. Camp Jason RV Resort

Location: Approximately 10 minutes from Lake Livingston State Park
Season: Year-round

Camp Jason is a family-owned RV resort a short drive from the state park. It doesn’t offer direct lake frontage, but it fills a specific gap — full hookup sites in a heavily shaded setting with family amenities that the state park doesn’t always have.

Sites: Full hookup — pull-through and back-in options
Amenities: Off-leash dog park, catch-and-release fishing pond, laundry room, free Wi-Fi, playground
Rates: Starting at $50/night for two adults and two kids. Weekly rates available with significant discounts.

Who it’s right for: Pet owners — the off-leash dog park is the standout amenity. Families who need laundry and reliable Wi-Fi. Campers who want full hookups near the lake when the state park and Wolf Creek are fully booked.

TRA Free Boat Ramps — No Camping, But Worth Knowing

The Trinity River Authority maintains four free public boat ramps around Lake Livingston:

• Blanchard Boat Ramp
• Patrick’s Ferry Boat Ramp
• Whiterock Boat Ramp
• Point Blank Boat Ramp

Tigerville Park in Livingston is a TRA day-use facility with a free public boat ramp, restrooms, and picnic amenities. No camping, but a useful stop if you need water access on the east side of the lake.

These ramps are free and open year-round. No registration or permit required.

Which Lake Livingston Campground Is Right for You?

You want the best value: Lake Livingston State Park — $14–$35/night plus a $6 entry fee. The best parks pass value in SETX.

You want a lake view and you have an RV: Piney Shores Loop at the state park (book early) or Wolf Creek Park sites 62 and nearby lakefront positions.

You’re tent camping: Briar Loop at the state park — the only tent-only, generator-free loop on the lake. Real quiet.

You want resort amenities: On The Lake RV Resort — pool, hot tub, restaurant, marina, and cabins in one property.

You’re on a fishing trip: Bethy Creek for the north end of the lake, or Wolf Creek Park for the middle/south shore. Both have fishing piers and boat access.

You’re bringing a dog: Camp Jason for the off-leash park, or Wolf Creek which is generally pet-friendly.

You want a cabin: On The Lake RV Resort has lakefront cabins. Bethy Creek has smaller waterfront lodging.

You’re planning a group event: Wolf Creek Park pavilion (3+ sites) or Bethy Creek’s 1,500 sq ft pavilion.

You want to avoid construction noise in 2026: State park improvements run through September 2026. Call (936) 365-2201 before booking to confirm your loop is open. Wolf Creek, On The Lake, and Bethy Creek are not affected.

FAQ

What is the best campground on Lake Livingston?
For most families, Lake Livingston State Park offers the best value — established facilities, multiple site types, good wildlife viewing, and the best fishing pier on the lake. For RV campers who want full resort amenities, On The Lake RV Resort is the premium option. For anglers focused on fishing access with good shade, Bethy Creek on the north end is worth considering.

Which Lake Livingston State Park loop is best for RVs?
Piney Shores (sites 50–71) for lake views and full hookups. Red Oak Loop for the most availability in the full hookup category. Pin Oak for wooded shade and family group camping with pavilion access.

Is Wolf Creek Park open year-round?
No — Wolf Creek Park operates March through November and closes December through February. For year-round options, use Lake Livingston State Park, On The Lake RV Resort, or Bethy Creek Resort.

How far is Wolf Creek Park from Lake Livingston State Park?
About 14 miles by road. Both are on the western shore of the lake but on different sections — Wolf Creek is north and closer to Coldspring, while the state park is south closer to Livingston.

Are there any free campgrounds on Lake Livingston?
No free camping with overnight accommodations exists directly on Lake Livingston. The Trinity River Authority maintains four free public boat ramps around the lake. For free camping in the broader region, see our free camping in Texas guide.

What fish can you catch at Lake Livingston?
White bass (the most notable species — spring runs are exceptional), largemouth bass, crappie, catfish (channel, blue, and flathead), and perch. The lake covers 90,000 acres and the fishing pressure is spread across an enormous body of water — it rarely feels crowded on the water even when the campgrounds are full.

Before You Go — Active Alerts for 2026

Burn ban at Lake Livingston State Park: As of February 24, 2026, burn ban in effect until further notice. No wood or charcoal fires. Propane stoves only. Always check current conditions at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-livingston before your trip.

State Park construction: Ongoing through September 2026. Some loops may be temporarily closed. Call (936) 365-2201 to confirm availability. Wolf Creek, On The Lake RV Resort, and Bethy Creek are unaffected.

For a full overview of the state park specifically — trails, fishing, wildlife, and what to pack — see our complete guide to camping at Lake Livingston State Park. And for the best campgrounds across all of Southeast Texas, our complete SETX campground guide covers every option worth knowing in the region.

Before your trip, grab the free Ultimate Family Camping Checklist — 83 items across 7 categories, built for camping in Southeast Texas.

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